US Backs India For Nuclear Club Entry As China, 'Several' Others See Red

Washington: As China claimed support from "several members" to block India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG, the US has come forward to back India's bid to join the exclusive club of nuclear trading nations.

"I'd point you back to what the president said during his visit to India in 2015, where he reaffirmed that the US view was that India meets missile technology control regime requirements and is ready for NSG membership," US State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.

His remarks came in response to a question on reports that China and Pakistan have joined hands to oppose India becoming a member of the NSG.

"Deliberations about the prospects of new members joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group are an internal matter among current members," Mr Kirby added.

Defending its move to block India's entry into the NSG, China on Friday claimed that several members of the 48-nation bloc shared its view that signing of the Non-Proliferation Treaty or NPT, was an "important" standard for the NSG's expansion.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in Beijing that not only China but also a lot of other NSG members are of the view that NPT is the cornerstone for safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Although India is not part of the NSG, Indian side recognises this consensus, he claimed.

India, Pakistan, Israel and South Sudan were the four UN member states which have not signed the NPT, the international pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

Membership of the 48-nation club would bring India into the nuclear fold 42 years after it tested its first nuclear bomb.

Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had said China has helped Pakistan to stall India's bid to get NSG membership.